'I am to—what?' asked Alison, sharply—for her at least.

'Tittivate yourself—it is Henglish; but, bein' Scotch, perhaps you don't know what it means.'

'I am not going to the—drawing-room to-night.'

'You won't obey the missus?' exclaimed the servant, aghast.

'Certainly not in this instance.'

'Don't you know your place? You are honly a guv'ness, and guv'nesses ain't ladies, whatever they may think.'

'What are they?'

'Mock ones.'

'Leave the room instantly—or——'

'Or what?' asked the girl, sharply.